Great Mystery-Beloved God, we trust that you are living in us and through us—as a community and individually.  Even so,  some of us feel deeply puzzled by the shape of these troubled times.  Dear God, we know that, while your methods are mysterious, the path leads to and emanates from eternal love.  Like Jacob, we wrestle with these truths and come out limping—wounded healers-to-be—seeking ever to grow in expansive love tempered by hardship.  Help us to use our experience to grow in a gracious flow of compassion, wisdom, and peaceful acceptance of things we do not understand.

 Most gracious and compassionate God, hear our prayer.

Beloved God, we ask your continued blessings on our priests, Berto and Hugh, our Bishop, Greg, and all spiritual leaders.  The world needs their generosity, patience and wisdom in so many ways. Their sacred leadership continues to inspire and bless well beyond conventional boundaries.

Most gracious and compassionate God, hear our prayer.

Beloved God, political leaders everywhere are faced with unique challenges.  Guide them in recognizing and speaking truth, while making choices for the highest good. We ask this for members of law enforcement agencies as well, working toward the best interests of the downtrodden, as well as the privileged.

We are especially thankful for the work of the United States Army and the Natural Resources Consultants in the removal of deepwater nets that were trapping and killing thousands of marine animals here in our Salish Sea. Help us to discover and participate in additional ways to right the wrongs inflicted on our beautiful planet.

 Most gracious and compassionate God, hear our prayer.

How fortunate we are to be living here, with running water, electricity, enough food, beauty, and a caring community. We ask that all be safe on land and sea. Protect your people from theturbulent weather events—typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes—that are part of this season in other parts of the world.

Most gracious and compassionate God, hear our prayer.

…Protect and bless our families, our healthcare workers, our food bank volunteers, and hospitality providers.We thank all who are modeling safe practices to keep us healthy. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of the world—not only of pandemic illness, but all the problems that result from human failings and self-importance.  Help those suffering from illness, oppression, natural disasters, addictions, poverty, and loneliness to know your love (take time here to mention any particular issues). And we ask special prayers and encouragement for those on our parish prayer list: …, and for all those for whom no one prays. We pray for all those who have lost loved ones and fervently ask that the souls of the departed find peaceful rest. May all that we do flow from our connection with you and all your wondrous creation.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.